1. Who am I? Christine Valdez Student Assistance Counselor Here at SWHS to help and support students. Located in the counseling office. Helpful resources are on the SWHS website, counseling page. One of My Natural Highs My Dog Quattro

2. Things I hear… “With everything we know, why do young people drink?” “I would never let myself get addicted. That’s just stupid.” “I drive fine when I’m drinking.” “At least I don’t use drugs.”

3. School: suspension, expulsion, violate activity code, bad grades Reputation Fights Legals: MIP, MIC, DUI Brain changes Possible consequences of alcohol use

4. Alcohol: Addiction’s not the only problem

5. Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning Mental confusion Person cannot be roused. Vomiting. Seizures. Slow or irregular breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute). Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness.

6. What should you do? Know the danger signals. Don’t wait for all symptoms to be present. Be aware that a person who has passed out may die. If you suspect an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help. Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness. Alcohol level goes up after last drink.

7. Often Misunderstood (and Misused) Terms Use: Certain substances, such as alcohol, can be used legally within certain guidelines, such as 21 and over, not while driving, etc. Other terms include social drinking. Abuse: A person makes the choice to continue using a substance despite negative consequences such as legal, school, relationships, etc.

9. What is addiction? (Also known as alcoholism, or chemical dependency) Primary, chronic, progressive. Dysfunction in the brain’s reward and motivation circuits. Cause unknown, genetics plays a part. Relapses and remissions are common. Can be treated but not cured. Specific, repeating symptoms, including tolerance changes and withdrawal symptoms. PEOPLE DON’T CHOOSE TO BECOME ADDICTED

10. Symptoms of Addiction 1. Tolerance. 2. Withdrawal. 3. Greater or longer use than intended. 4. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use. 5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance or recover from its effects. 6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of substance use. 7. Continued use despite knowledge of persistent physical or psychological problems likely caused or exacerbated by the Substance. A person must have had three of these occur at least twice in the past 12 months.

11. Addiction Facts We can’t tell from the beginning of a person’s drinking who will wind up addicted, but genetics and high tolerance appear to be red flags. About 1 out of 10 people who use alcohol regularly will become addicted. Younger age = Increased chance of addiction.

12. The Brain

13. Review: Refusal Skills Say “NO” T ell why not O ffer other ideas P romptly Leave

14. Effect on Families Physically: Increased stress-related disorders, car accidents, domestic violence. Emotionally: Depression, anger, fear, worry, embarrassment. “Don’t feel” rule. Socially: Isolation, difficulty trusting, unhealthy relationships. “Don’t talk” and “don’t trust” rules.

15. Resources If you want to have a confidential conversation about anything I talked about today, please don’t wait. Sedro-Woolley High School website Accurate information: www.abovetheinfluence.com www.drugfree.org Help for families and teens: www.al-anon.alateen.org

16. Your Questions Please write on a piece of paper any questions you may have about alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Also, please write on there if you would like to meet with me. Don’t forget to write your name on there. I am the only one who will look at these.